National Day for Truth & Reconciliation 2025

When non-Indigenous refugee newcomers arrive in Canada, they automatically become settlers of this land. While newcomers may not be directly responsible for the past, as settlers they still greatly benefit from colonialism in Canada – to varying degrees. On this day of remembrance and mourning, we invite Private Sponsors and refugee newcomers to learn about the various Indigenous histories of Turtle Island together (North America / Canada) and find out more about the diverse Indigenous cultures of this land and the current and complex realities for Indigenous Peoples in Canada (Indigenous Peoples in Canada refer to the collective of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who are the original inhabitants of North America).

Read about the original Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s ‘94 Calls to Action‘ here, and use the tools below to learn, listen, have a conversation and recognize ways that you can actively participate in Truth & Reconciliation.

What the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation is – A plain language explanation.

September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

In Canada, September 30 is a special day to remember Indigenous children who were forcibly taken away from their families and sent to ‘residential schools’.
Residential schools were places where Indigenous children (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) were forced to live. They were not allowed to speak their own languages or practice their cultures. Many children suffered, and some died and never returned home.
The government and churches ran these schools for more than 100 years. This caused deep pain and trauma for many Indigenous Peoples in Canada, a pain that is still felt today. The last residential school closed not that long ago, in 1996.
On this day, people in Canada honour and mourn the children who died, support survivors (people who went to the schools and their families), and learn the truth about what happened.
People wear orange shirts because of a story from a residential school survivor, Phyllis Webstad, whose orange shirt was taken away on her first day of school. The orange shirt has become a symbol of saying: Every Child Matters.
This day is about listening, learning, and showing respect to Indigenous peoples and recommitting ourselves (as settlers) to practices of healing, truth and reconciliation.

LEARNING RESOURCES

Below you’ll find infographics, videos and toolkits about the various Indigenous histories of Turtle Island (Canada), the diverse Indigenous cultures and the current realities for Indigenous Peoples in Canada (Indigenous Peoples in Canada refer to the collective of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who are the original inhabitants of North America). *Please note, the resources below are developed by various organizations and partnerships across the country, please visit each link to find out more.

Multilingual Infographics Designed for Newcomers – Download

Multilingual Infographic explaining the reasons why we recognize the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (developed by Refugee 613 & Circles for Reconciliation.)

Orientation Toolkit – Visit

Orientation Tool for newcomer communities on Indigenous history, culture and contemporary realities. (By the Immigration Partnerships Winnipeg, the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba, the UofM Community Service Learning & KAIROS Canada.

Free Lunch & Learn Videos (From Sept. 2025) – View Here

Lunch and Learn webinars – an immersive experience to UN-learn the myths of colonial history in Canada, aimed at an adult audience, and open to the public. These are 40-50 minute videos available on-demand on Youtube.

Namwayut: we are all one. Watch it here

A short and captivating animated video, narrated Chief Robert Joseph who shares his experience as a residential school survivor and talks about the importance of truth and reconciliation in Canada.

Which Indigenous Lands are you on? This digital map will show you.

The Native-Land map is a living document, informed by the contributions of Indigenous communities, Indigenous knowledge holders and their stories. It does not claim to represent official or legal boundaries. Nativeland.ca encourages users to connect directly with the Indigenous nations to learn more about their territories and histories. This is an honouring of Indigenous resilience past, present and future.

The National Centre for Truth & Reconciliation – Visit

Visit the University of Manitoba’s National Centre for Truth & Reconciliation website. A resource-rich collection of research papers, official publications, free education resources, event listings and academic works on Truth & Reconciliation.

RESOURCES FOR THE KIDS

The Teaching Resource Centre provides educational resources for Indigenous and non-Indigenous educators teaching students and learners of all ages. Included are lesson plans developed with an Indigenous perspective for teaching: Indigenous, land-based skills and knowledge; Indigenous languages; and Mainstream K-12 subjects infused with Indigenous knowledge.

The Teaching Resource Centre- Visit

This website provides educational resources for Indigenous and non-Indigenous educators and anyone teaching learners of all ages. Included are lesson plans developed with an Indigenous perspective for teaching: Indigenous, land-based skills and knowledge; Indigenous languages; and Mainstream K-12 subjects infused with Indigenous knowledge. (Developed by the National Centre for Collaboration in Indigenous Education / NCCIE.)

CBC Kids Animated Videos – Visit

Videos and play-based learning in the form of games and comic books made for kids, explaining various topics like what Turtle Island is to hoop dancing, tufting, and beading. (Produced by the CBC Kids team)

EVENTS

On-demand Lunch & Learn Videos on various topics (Filmed in September 2025) – Watch them here
September 30th on Parliament Hill (and Online) @ 3 pm Eastern. APTN, CBC/Radio-Canada and NCTR to host “Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation” – Watch it on APTN
Toronto, ON: The Truth about Reconciliation in 2025 – 10 Years since the TRC’s Final Report. Guest Speaker: Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Chief, Claire Sault. Location: the Campfire sculpture located at 1 Palace Pier Ct, Etobicoke Organized by: KAIROS Toronto West and Eculinks Etobicoke – More Info Here
Toronto, ON: Orange After Dark: An Orange Shirt Day Show. A Truth & Reconciliation Day after-party featuring Indigenous music, fashion, and poetry. Presented by NEECHI BY NATURE, this all-ages event takes place at the Poetry Jazz Café (1078 Queen Street West) from 8:00 PM to 11:30 PM (doors open at 7:00 PM). Expect performances across hip hop, R&B, soul, jazz, as well as an Indigenous streetwear showcase and community photo ops. More Info Here
Winnipeg, MB: 5th Annual Orange Shirt Day Healing Walk and Pow Wow. Organized by the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO), this free community event will be held at the RBC Convention Centre on September 30, 2025. Attendees are encouraged to wear orange to honour Survivors and those who never made it home. Further details, including programming, vendor opportunities, and schedules, are forthcoming. More Info Here
Saskatoon, SK: Orange Shirt Day Run/Walk. This annual event includes 10 km, 5 km, and a 2.15 km Elder & Kids fun run. It begins with a ceremony featuring Elders and speakers at Rotary Park, followed by a round dance and running routes along the scenic Meewasin Trail. Funds raised support OrangeShirtDay.org and local grassroots movements promoting Indigenous athletes. More Info Here.
Brantford (Woodland Cultural Centre), ON: Official Unveiling of the Mohawk Institute Interpretive Historic Site. The former Mohawk Institute Residential School will be officially unveiled as an interpretive historic site on September 30, 2025. Admission is timed-entry, first-come, first-served. Early-access bracelets will be available at the Woodland Cultural Centre gift shop on September 25–26 (while supplies last), with gates opening at 9:00 AM for bracelet distribution. More info and tickets here.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS

A list of support resources for survivors of trauma, torture and/or colonial violence.

The Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT). : get an assessment for a newcomer who needs mental health support, particularly if they have experienced torture, violence and/or other forms of trauma. Call the confidential line at 416-363-1066

Hope for Wellness Helpline: available 24/7 to all Indigenous Peoples across Canada. Telephone and online ‘chat’ 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1-855-242-3310 or visit www.hopeforwellness.ca

National Residential School 24-Hour Crisis Line: If you or someone you know needs support, the National Residential School Crisis Line is available 24/7 at 1-866-925-4419 / Si vous ou une personne que vous connaissez avez besoin d’aide, la ligne d’écoute téléphonique nationale de Résolution des questions des pensionnats indiens est accessible 24 heures sur 24, 7 jours sur 7, au 1-866-925-4419.